After what happened this Sunday, the Miller Family is establishing their own dietary guidelines.
Although four out of the five of us ate decently today, one of the kids (he this child wouldn't want me divulging his their name), ate atrociously.
You know, churches are one of the worst places for ruining a kid's appetite. I know this for a fact because my nameless child ate pastries and donuts at church all morning, and then, of course, that child didn't want any real food for lunch.
He didn't eat anything else before we left for church this evening, yet at church he had a fudge popsicle. Then when he came home he said (surprise, surprise) that he didn't want anything to eat except grapes.
We didn't force any other food down him today—eating like this for one day won't kill him—but Jeff and I are determined that we're going to do something about it starting tomorrow. We both realize that it's definitely time we institute—not just for my kids, but for myself as well—some iron-clad dietary guidelines to help guide us in our daily food choices.
But it won't be the food pyramid or the RDA guidelines. No, I think we'll tailor our dietary guidelines to fit our family where we are right now. So instead of following RDA, we'll be following MFDDR guidelines, which stands for "Miller Family Daily Dietary Requirements." (Corny, I know. But I can be a very corny person…)
"MFDDR" may not be quite as catchy as "RDA," but I think the kids will get my point.
So here are the MFDDR guidelines Jeff and I have come up with so far. As you will see, there are only two guidelines right now, so we'll be working on these two things this week and adding more guidelines as these are learned:
1. FRUITS/VEGGIES: As I've mentioned before, I've never been a big fruit and vegetable eater. And unfortunately my kids have followed suit. That's not to say that my kids are entirely opposed to eating fruits and vegetables; in fact, Jaden loves broccoli and Jerah adores peaches. It's just that they're not used to eating fruits and vegetables on a regular basis (and neither am I).
Consequently, instituting a 5-a-day fruit and veggie requirement from the very first would be doomed to failure. So I'm going to start smaller. I think we'll start with 3-a-day.
2. DESSERT: No dessert until the fruits/veggies for the day have been eaten. And then, they can have only one serving of any food that could be classified as "dessert" per day. That could mean a lollipop, ice cream, cookie, etc.
I'm fairly certain these guidelines will meet with some opposition. No…I'm positive they'll be opposed by my kids. But I'm determined to assert my "Mommy Authority" and see if we can change some habits—on the kids' part and my own!
If you'd like to read about some families who are already successfully feeding their children fruits and vegetables, check out Toni's and Kate's blogs and see what they're doing in our “3 Moms, 3 Kitchens, 31 Days” adventure this week.
You go girl !! I keep frozen berries in my freezer and the kids think that is the best treat for dessert !! Fruit for dessert is pretty standard in our house. I try to buy different and nice fruit for us to enjoy for dessert from time to time. Not always because it can get expensive but you know … every now and then we try something new.
What a great idea Joy. I think it's awesome that you and Jeff are coming up with your own family guidelines!
I'm trying to cut the daily consumption of sweets. I think you are right that kids are getting it everywhere – who decided to serve donuts at church, anyway?
So, I'm doing a Friday night dessert. The rest of the junk needs to go away. Wish me luck!
You don't know me at all, I happened to click on the link to "A Simple Walk" on the Menu Monday list today, and from there I found your site. I'm sitting here with this feeling in my chest like how did I get to be 41 years old with three kids, a SAHM for 9 years, and I've never done this kind of cooking? I feel like I've wasted so much money, time, and FOOD planning and cooking one meal at a time. You and your two friends are giving me hope that I can FINALLY get a handle on our food budget, spend less time in the kitchen, and get my kids more involved in food prep! Thank you so much for these cooking posts!
Dear Joy,
I think it is possible to never have to say "eat your vegetables" again. That's why I wrote "The ABC’s of Fruits & Vegetables and Beyond.” There is no doubt that the foundation of a healthy diet and weight control is the significant consumption of vegetables and fruit. Unfortunately, many adults do not like these fine foods – so we must make sure kids don’t develop these attitudes. Parents and teachers interested in getting kids to develop friendly feelings towards fruits and vegetables should take a look at a new book called “The ABC’s of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond.” Out only a few months and already being bought in quantity for class use. Suited for kids of all ages as it is two books in one – children first learn their alphabet through produce poems and then go on to more mature activities. It is coauthored by best-selling food writer David Goldbeck (me) and Jim Henson writer Steve Charney. HealthyHighways.com